I was wondering yesterday(On New year), as to why New zealand was the first country to welcome Newyear. Because, as far as I know, Japan is the land of rising sun, and Japan should be the country to first celebrate any event. Can anyone please clarify my doubt? Or at least tell me where I can find an answer to my question?

Technically, the first country to greet the new year is Russia. It’s across the Bering Strait from Alaska. The International Date Line goes right in between them. People may not be aware of this but this is also the closest country to the US without actually bordering it.